Transportation & Aging Senior and Disabled Riders Transportation Summit December 6, 2013

The New Normal Seniors are working longer Delaying Retirement Economy is a driving factor Dramatic impacts on families, community People are living longer than anytime in history, unprecedented

Next 20 Years 60 Plus to Double

Age Demographics Region has become older, Hispanic age group has absorbed 27.3% of all population growth in Washoe County Nearly 25% of the population is now Over the age of 55 (up from 19.6% in 2000) Asians are the 3rd largest racial group at 5.1% of the population A second bulge in ages is coming Chad Giesinger, Senior Planner, Washoe County Community Services Department

What we know about Transit Does not meet needs, all demographics The gap between demand and service is widening, especially for disabled Operating revenue falling short Barriers to expanding service, sales tax Other providers not identified More Transit Oriented Development

Critical Issues Reach family, friends, care providers Access to food, doctors, employment Prevents isolation, being shut-in Aging in Place, prevents premature institutionalization Promotes independence, self determination, Occupation of Life

What is next Planning for an “Aging” society Boomers are becoming seniors, vulnerable Not prepared for demographic shift, impacts Next years - an Aging Tsunami Meeting needs all ages, abilities Planners to develop using Universal concepts, accessibility for all

Recent Trends Affordable housing in rural communities: fewer services, food, medical, employment Fastest growing areas: Cold Springs (275%) Spanish Springs (140%) Rurals: Commute by car, traffic congestion, public transportation is sparse RTC, Senior & ADA Transportation Issues

Disability concerns 3400 people certified for paratransit Changes in paratransit eligibility ACCESS is expensive - twice the cost of the fixed-route service RIDE ACCESS fare is $3 one way, double in rural communities ($6) or non-ADA ACCESS true cost is $20-$25 a trip

What we hear - RIDE RIDE not accessible to wheelchair RIDE is 100% wheelchair ADA accessible Some buses lack low steps to board Each bus has a front-end "kneeling" feature that lowers the first step to curb level Drivers do not help boarding/exiting Bus stops not within walking distance Bus routes & service changes unpredictable

What we hear - ACCESS Drivers assistance not door-to-door ADA & Non-ADA trips too costly Medical trips - dialysis unaffordable Wait time for bus too long Time on bus too long Paratransit certification limits eligibility, reduces options to travel

Gaps in Service - Needs More Transit Oriented Planning for: housing, employment, special needs Safe communities, pedestrian use Bus stops accessible, walking distance Bus shelters, benches for all stops Increase taxi voucher access, funding More local and regional providers

Barriers to Change Public transportation limited by NRS Chapter 377A to Washoe Sales Tax Grant opportunity limited, funding match Costs of service: revenue per trip, fuel Costs for riders: subsidized Voter dislike tax increases for funding

Barriers to Change Transportation partnerships limited No coordinated system, plan Geography - isolated neighborhoods Service area driven by population density rather than consumer need No volunteer network identified, costs

Suggestions Stable funding for growth Better planning in transit corridors, stimulates economic growth, jobs Transit opportunities: flex-route, shopper, shuttles, Dial-a-Ride, etc. Mobility trainers, customer sensitivity Coordinate regional providers: Carson City, Lake Tahoe, Lyon and Churchill County

Questions? Advancing Opportunities for Seniors Senior Spectrum Connie McMullen (775) P.O.Box 7124 Reno, NV 89510